Norpace CR is Prescribed for the Treatment of Irregular Heartbeats

If you are found to have a certain irregular heartbeat, such as ventricular tachycardia (VT), your doctor can determine if you should be taking Norpace CR (controlled release) to help re-establish and maintain a normal heart rhythm. Ventricular tachycardia means your heart is beating abnormally rapid with at least three irregular beats in a row caused by unusual electrical signals in the lower chambers of your heart (the ventricles).

How Norpace CR Works on Your Heart

The active ingredient Norpace CR is called Disopyramide, a sodium channel blocker. When taken as directed, Disopyramide will decrease the entry of Na+ (sodium ions)in cardiac cells in order to affect the electrical impulses. The signaling of your heart rate is controlled by the movement of sodium, so by decreasing the amount of sodium passing along the channels, the electrical impulses will be slowed down to try and correct the rhythm of your heartbeats.

Possible Causes of Ventricular Tachycardia

In most cases of ventricular tachycardia, the person has underlying heart disease. Perhaps you have had a heart attack previously, you were born with a congenital heart defect, or you may have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or dilated cardiomyopathy.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy occurs if the muscle cells of your heart enlarge which causes the ventricle walls to thicken. This may block proper blood flow out of the ventricle and is noted as being obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. If blood flow is not affected by the thickened ventricle walls, it is known as non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Dilated cardiomyopathy involves the decrease of your heart’s ability to pump blood due to an enlargement and weakness of the left ventricle. This can stop your heart from being able to relax and fill with blood as it should.

Before You Are Given Norpace CR

Ask your doctor if Norpace CR is safe to take if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or are breast feeding. Explain other medical conditions and allergies you have to your doctor and list all OTC and Rx drugs you currently take or use, including herbal remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements. This will help your doctor determine if Norpace CR is the right medication for you.

Proper Use of Norpace CR

Do not start, stop, or alter your dosage of any medications you are taking as this can interfere with how Norpace CR will work for you. Until you know how Norpace CR will affect you, refrain from driving or taking part in any activity that requires you to be alert. Keep Norpace CR and other drugs out of children’s reach and never share these with anyone. Attend all follow-up appointments with your doctor so your heart can be checked out or monitored to see if Norpace CR needs any adjustments.

Possible Side Effects of Norpace CR

• Headache
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Dry mouth

If you are experiencing new or worsening irregular heartbeat patterns, feel faint, short of breath, or having difficulties with urination, call your doctor at once.

Other Arrhythmia Drugs Similar to Norpace CR

• Mexitil
• Cordarone
• Tambocor